Our picks: The British Film Festival

Take your own BFF to the BFF, as the Cunard British Film Festival returns to Melbourne, October 26 – Nov 15th. This year’s showings range from a shoe documentary to Nicole Kidman in a full punk get out. Here’s our top 4 for your viewing pleasure:

Breathe

If you’re a crier, get the tissues out. Based on a true story, Breathe is about Robin Cavendish who at only 28 is diagnosed with polio and given only months to live. Against the will of doctors, his wife Diana removes him from hospital and instead cares for Robin, determined to allow him to experience his lust for life. Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge) and Clair Foy (The Crown) bring this story to life, with the film being produced in partnership by Robin and Diana’s son John Cavendish. Where are those tissues again?

Manolo: The Boy who made shoes for lizards

A fascinating documentary about Manolo Blahnik, the man behind the worlds most wanted shoes. While Sex and the City may have rocketed the brand into interstellar proportions, not much is known about the man behind the name, of whom to this stay still retains full control of the business at 74 years. British fashion Journalist Michael Roberts presents a charming biography of Manolo and features a star studded guest list who reveal the impact the world’s most famous luxury shoemaker has had on their careers. Humorous and informative, this is a fabulous choice for the fashionista just as well as someone looking to discover something new – isn’t that what International Film Festivals are all about?

Finding your feet

This year’s resident heart warmer follows the story of upper middle class “Lady” Sandra Abbott who, upon discovering her husbands affair with her best friend, seeks refuge with her free spirited sister Bif who lives in an inner city council estate. Traversing the topics of life, death and retirement, Finding Your Feet is about discovering life beyond expectations, and what happens when you learn to dance in the rain. Our pick for seeing an International Film your mum will enjoy, Finding your feet features Imelda Staunton (Pride) Celia Imri (Bridget Jone’s Baby) and Timothy Spall (Mr Turner)

How to Talk to Girls at Parties

Based on the award winning short story by Neil Gaiman, How to Talk to Girls At Parties is a punk rock, queer, interstellar, twisted sci fi film about not caring, not fitting in and realising that truly, some girls are just out of this world. Fabulously kinky and grimy punk costumes assist Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning and Alex Sharp into leading you into an intergalactic romp with a banging bass line.